Zimmermann column: Library celebrates freedom with censorship display

? With the rise of young adult dystopian literature such as "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins, one doesn't need to look far to find stories of oppressive governments, propaganda and censorship. This week marks the 30th anniversary of Banned Books Week, an annual celebration of the freedom to read. Observed since 1982, the annual event reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted. The week is also an opportunity for libraries, authors and bookstores to raise awareness about censorship.

Recently, central Wisconsin schools have had two books challenged. In 2009 Lauren Myracle's "TTYL" was challenged, but kept, at the John Muir Middle School in Wausau. Last year, at Merrill High School, "Montana 1948," by Wisconsin author Larry Watson also was challenged and kept.

Watson's comments in a 2011 Wausau Daily Herald interview got at the crux of censorship. "It's other people deciding what's best for others," Watson said. "It's people putting themselves in the position where they assume they know what's best for others, and I think that's a dangerous position."

Each year, hundreds of books are challenged based on a variety of factors including offensive language, violence, religious viewpoint and sexual content. The books are targeted with the intent to remove them or restrict access in libraries and schools. More than 11,300 books have been challenged since 1982. According to the American Library Association's website, a challenge is defined as "a formal, written complaint filed with a library or school requesting that a book or other material be restricted or removed because of its content or appropriateness." There were 326 challenges reported to the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom in 2011, and many more go unreported. Since reporting challenges is voluntary, ALA estimates that as many as 60 percent to 70 percent of challenges are unreported.

Challenged does not always mean banned, however. In many cases similar to those in central Wisconsin, the books remain available, thanks to the efforts of concerned citizens who speak up for First Amendment rights. Libraries across the United States have always provided access to information and upheld First Amendment rights.

The mission of the Marathon County Public Library is to enrich lives by promoting lifelong learning and actively provide the community with access to ideas, information, and opportunities to connect. We believe that a democratic and informed society must have free, equal and open access to information. We empower citizens to improve their lives, their governments and their communities.

In observation of Banned Books Week, Marathon County Public Library in Wausau has an in house display of challenged books as well as a blog post listing challenged books on our website at www.mcpl.us.